The author of this paper, as a professional career diplomat, spent a five-year tour at the
Korea missions in Tokyo and Moscow while contacting with various types of Russian representatives,
such as diplomats, journalists, intelligence officials, etc. This paper attempts
to analyze the Russian negotiating behaviors mainly based on the author’s first-hand experiences
acquired over the course of the aforementioned contacts.
It was found that the perceptions or views of negotiation differ greatly from some of the
standard Western negotiations. This difference in views of negotiation between the two
countries results in different tactics and attitudes in the course of negotiations.
Firstly, in general the term “negotiate” means to confer in order to come to a compromise.
Nonetheless, Russians view negotiation as a struggle by other means refusing any form of
compromise. They view compromise as a means by which those in inferior positions deal
with those in superior ones. To them, compromising is a weakness that may be exploited.
Secondly, the Russian concept of time is that it is limitless. While Koreans are noted for
their desire to reach speedy conclusions, Russians have taken advantage of these traits of
achievement-oriented Koreans by employing delay tactics to aggravate Korean impatience
and force their counterparts to concede in order to show progress back home.
Thirdly, the Russian side has shown a tendency to prefer general agreements as opposed
to detailed agreements, and to interpret any loopholes or vagueness to the utmost in their
favor. Russian expectations of negotiating derive from their view of the world, a view that
passes through two distinctively important filters-the Marxist-Leninist ideology and political
culture. It is advisable to acquire an understanding of Russian background, culture,
and political system, and to build a mutual relationship of trust as reasonable negotiating
partners.
The author contends that knowledge of Russian negotiating behavior is helpful in understanding
North Korean negotiating behavior as the two countries share a number of similarities.
To conclude, negotiations with Socialist countries should be conducted with patience and
from a long term perspective; and general agreements should be avoided and details be
fixed to the extent possible. Last, but not least, any concession should be made on a quid
pro quo basis.